Posts by Brett Johnson
Managing Your Health
Shirlynn LaChapelle, of the Minnesota Black Nurses Association, and Yolanda Adams Lee are working together to help Minnesotans manage their health during COVID 19. They talked about their efforts with Freddie Bell. New Beginnings was also on location at a COVID 19 testing site in St. Paul. There, Freddie Bell learned of new advances in…
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Read MoreWall of Power Radio Hour – January 16, 2021
We had conversations with two great musicians, Ms. Dar Williams and Ellen Stanley aka Mother Banjo about a virtual event happening on 1/20/21 called Steps 2021 celebrating the Inauguration and an artistic way to move forward after the dark days on the steps of the Capitol on Jan. 2, 2021. Dar had great stories about…
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Read MoreEllie 2.0 Radio – January 17, 2021
We begin with an audio blog post by Frank Schaeffer, a former evangelical conservative turned liberal democrat who talks about the January 6th insurrection being the product of evangelical white nationalism. The Big Interview is with Jen Bowen of the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop, which helps humans experiencing incarceration tell their written stories. In the…
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Read MorePutting The Patient First: Making Healthcare Affordable for All with Dr. Isaac Engholm – January 17, 2021
Meet Dr. Isaac Engholm, a direct primary care physician with Deploy Health Family Practice in Minneapolis. Dr. Engholm is one of the first physicians in the Twin Cities to bring direct primary care at an affordable cost for middle and working-class patients. He speaks of direct primary care and the difference between the direct primary…
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Read MoreThe Time to Sell is Now
Vaccine Distribution and Safety
Medicaid Medical Director, Dr. Nathan Chomilo, from the Minnesota Department of Health appears this week discussing vaccine distribution and its relative safety. Freddie Bell also discusses Aging in Place and reviews Online Etiquette with Joe McKenzie of Ripple Connects. New Beginnings also acknowledges AARP Twin Cites, The Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center, West Metro…
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Read MoreReducing Holiday Debt
As we kick off the new year, Freddie Bell shares ideas on how to reduce holiday debt. Joe McKenzie, our Career Expert and founder of Ripple Connects, talks about the benefits of job sharing. We also hear from Kitty Harris of the Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center, West Metro Hypnosis, who helps us to…
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Read MoreFCC Applications
As of November 1, 2020 JR Broadcasting (AM950 the Progressive Voice of Minnesota) has no FCC applications pending. This page will be updated immediately should AM950 have any pending FCC applications.
Read MoreUnderstanding Mental Health
Anna Lynn is the Mental Health Promotion Coordinator at the MN Department of Health. She works on changing the conversation and understanding about mental health, to help us understand it as more than the absence of illness. She also works to create opportunities for communities to promote mental well-being across a range of domains-from social…
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Read MoreYour Health and COVID-19
Dr. Sara Vetter is the Assistant Division Director of the Public Health Laboratory for the Minnesota Department of Health. Dr. Vetter talks with Freddie Bell about the importance of getting tested for COVID-19. Carolyn Deters, Executive Director of Gifts for Seniors says social isolation and loneliness are serious health issues and can become more common…
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Read MoreCurbing The Spread
Michael Osterholm, a member of President-elect Joe Biden’s transition COVID-19 advisory board, said measures are urgently needed to help curb the spread and prevent hospitals from being “overrun.” He told Freddie Bell that Americans help control the spread by “not swapping air.” Nancy Carlson, Minnesota Department of Health suggests strategies in coping with COVID stress.…
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Read MoreStress Management
Nancy Carlson with the Minnesota Department of Health talks about stress management as we close out the year. Career expert, Joe McKenzie examines a new Boomer lifestyle. AARP volunteer Bev Bachel, shares details concerning the organization’s 50 Over 50 honorees. Kitty Harris, Property Manager for the Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center says the facility…
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Read MoreAdam Rizzieri on Litigation and Legislation with Big Tech
Brett Johnson spoke with social media expert Adam Rizzieri of Agency Partner Interactive. They discussed new right wing centered social media that’s trying to compete with Facebook, Twitter, Google etc.; section 230 and why the Trump administration is trying to rid of it; and the FTC trying to breakup Facebook.
Read MoreMeghan Kimmel of Portico Healthnet
Brett Johnson speaks with Meghan Kimmel of Portico Healthnet about healthcare deserts that exist throughout Minnesota and what can be done to give people more access to affordable healthcare.
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Read MoreEllie 2.0 Radio – December 7, 2020
It’s an Ellie’s Talking Head Show! We start out highlighting Poetic Justice, an Oklahoma nonprofit that teaches writing and poetry to women who are incarcerated. In lieu of The Big Interview, I talk about allyship and share stories of how a neighborhood in North Little Rock Arkansas showed unique support for a family that was…
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Read MoreCOVID-19 Update
New Beginnings sits down with Hennepin County’s Health Director, Susan Palchick for a COVID-19 Update. Kitty Harris, Property Manager, Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center shares an update on a recent Blood Drive. New Beginnings also acknowledges its partners, AARP Twin Cities, West Metro Hypnosis and Unity South Twin Cities.
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Read MoreGhost Box Radio – November 29, 2020
Join Greg Bakun this week as his guest is Onae. She will not be doing one question readings this week (that will happen next week) but we will have a great conversation about what we are thankful for and the Power of Positivity. Onae is a Spiritual Life Coach and she has all sorts of…
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Read MoreBattling Cancer with the Right Resources with Talaya Dendy – November 29, 2021
Meet Talaya Dendy of On the Other Side, a cancer survivor and now cancer doula who supports others on their cancer journeys. Dendy talks about her own journey with cancer, some of the most difficult things she faced, and what she learned from it. Dendy also shares the concept of a doula and how she…
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Read MoreMarriage Between Real Estate and Design Part 2
Gratitude
West Metro Hypnosis talks about Gratitude this weekend. We also hear from Susan Palchick and Mayor Jacob Frey in earlier interviews talking about the COVID response.
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Read MoreMarriage Between Real Estate and Design Part 1
Margaritas with Sarah Davis of Urban Works Architecture
George Beck of Clean Elections MN
Brett Johnson recently spoke with George Beck of Clean Elections MN about how Minnesotans view several election reforms according to a new poll conducted in conjunction with St. Cloud State University. They include more transparency when it comes to dark money, increasing public financing of campaigns and citizen-drive redistricting.
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Read MoreSmart Holiday Planning
The Holidays are upon us and with COVID-19 numbers raging across the state, Kris Ehresmann, Director, Minnesota Department of Health Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division, talks with Freddie Bell about smart holiday planning. AARP Twin Cities shares information about Driver Safety Training opportunities and how you might be able to reduce the cost…
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Read MoreGood Oral Health the Natural Way with Dr. Amy Truong – November 15, 2020
Meet Dr. Amy Truong of Pure Dental in Oakdale, the first accredited member of the International Association of Oral Medicine and Toxicology in Minnesota and certified to perform safe amalgam mercury removal of fillings. Dr. Truong discusses the various services she provides to patients in a natural and holistic way and the COVID precautions that…
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Read MoreOld Fashions/Manhattans with Minnesota Artist Jendayi Berry
A Safe Holiday Season
On New Beginnings we welcome Kris Ehresmann, Director, Minnesota Department of Health Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division. She talks with Freddie Bell about Having a Safe Holiday this season in the face of COVID-19. From AARP Twin Cities we learn about Liveable Communities. Kitty Harris, Property Manager for the Cora McCorey Health and…
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Read MoreKey Moments in an Interview
This week we feature the Minnesota Department of Health and useful information on COVID-19. We also look at how to protect yourself against frauds and scams. Freddie Bell and Joe McKenzie share key details about key moments in a job interview. Kitty Harris from the Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center talks about the new…
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Read MoreCareer Success
Freddie Bell and Joe McKenzie discuss some of the key areas for professional development and how it relates to your career success in 2021. Jay Haapala of AARP Twin Cities talks with Freddie about scams and frauds. We also honor our partners with Minnesota Department it Health, AARP MN, West Metro Hypnosis, The Cora McCorvey…
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Read MoreCareer Growth
Freddie Bell and Joe McKenzie help you tinfoils on career growth in the first of a two part series. Freddie Bell also shares details on a device that can sniff COVID-19. October is Energy Awareness Month And our friends at AARP Twin Cities have important details. New Beginnings also appreciates its partners at Unity South…
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Read MoreIntegrating Your Career Story
Techniques on integrating your career story into your job search is Freddie Bell and Joe McKenzie’s focus this week. Freddie also shares details on an exciting Broadband Initiative with AARP MN and MN Speedtest. We also share health tips and feature a visit from West Metro Hypnosis. The Rev, James Stacey, senior minister of Unity…
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Read MoreYour Volunteer Experience
Freddie Bell and Joe Mckenzie discuss how your years of volunteer work experience can give you the clarity needed to reinvent your own career.
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Read MoreHow to Dress for Snowblowing
Ellie 2.0 Radio – November 9, 2020
Our featured idealist is soon-to-be First Lady Dr. Jill Biden; despite the cache of being married to Joe Biden for 30+ years, she’s taught in public schools and community colleges because she wanted to make a difference. The Big Interview is with Rachel Pilgrim, whose work in investigating the identities of five black women who…
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Read MoreFormer Federal Prosecutor Bill Johnston on Right Wing Terrorism
Brett Johnson recently spoke with former federal prosecutor Bill Johnston. He’s practiced law for more than 30 years, including 14 years in the U.S. Attorney’s office where he helped prosecute multiple domestic terror cases. They discussed the rise of right wing domestic terrorism including the plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. They also talked…
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Read MoreFCC Applications
On November 18, 2020, JR Broadcasting LLC, licensee of KTNF, 950 kHz, St. Louis Park, MN, filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission for Renewal of its license. Members of the public wishing to view this application or obtain information about how to file comments and petitions on the application can visit https://publicfiles.fcc.gov/am-profile/ktnf/applications-and-related-materials/#renewals .
Read MoreJapanese Whiskey with John Slack of Perkins and Will
Being Creative in Your Spiritual Practice with Crary Brouhard and Benny Callaghan – November 1, 2020
Meet Crary Brouhard and Benny Callaghan, members of Eckankar: Temple of Eck, which describes itself as an active individual and creative spiritual practice. They discuss the purpose and philosophy of Eckankar and how you can make your own creative individual journey using one’s divine powers of imagination to create experiences and define their own truth.…
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Read MoreWall of Power Radio Hour – October 31, 2020
We had another great interview with Mr. Charles Pierce, the astute political pundit for Esquire.com. We chatted about the upcoming election along with musical stories as well.
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Read MoreOnline Tools Part 1
GhostBox Radio for Sunday, October 25th
This week we are thrilled to have the stars of the Travel Channel hit TV series Destination Fear with Dakota Laden, his sister Chelsea and their best friend Tanner. We talk about some of the scariest places that they investigated and why they keep doing it! There are plenty of ways to listen and take…
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Read MoreBourbon with Lashonda Jung and Sarah Breuer of Roots Chiropractic
US Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia
Brett Johnson spoke with one of the big, emerging progressive leaders in Congress, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-Illinois 4) about a variety of issues. They discussed the New York Times report of Trump’s family separation policy, how Amy Coney Barrett could impact DACA, and border closures since the pandemic began.
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Read MoreEllie 2.0 Radio – October 19, 2020
This week’s featured idealist is Delores Huerta, who helped galvanize migrant farm workers and who later championed women in politics; there’s so much she’s done to make the world a better place! The Big Interview is with Laura Belin, curator of the blog, Bleeding Heartland, which covers Iowa politics. In my C-Block, I talk about…
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Read MoreWall of Power Radio Hour – October 17, 2020
We had an amazing conversation with Northfield, MN native and Country Western star Johnny Western. Johnny grew up in southern MN, had his own radio and TV show at 17 yrs. of age. He put out 3 singles before he left for Holywood, California in 1954 at age 20. That began an amazing career in…
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Read MoreManhattans with Mark Suess of Mark Suess Interiors
Ghostbox Radio – October 18, 2020
Now Introducing…the Sex Chair!!
Ghost Box Radio Promo
Do you believe in ghosts? Ever wondered if aliens from other planets visited the Earth? Have you ever thought about whether Bigfoot is real or not? Each week on GhostBox Radio host Greg Bakun will have these conversations about the paranormal, ufology, Bigfoot or just the unusual bringing together guests who are experts in these…
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Read MoreEllie 2.0 Radio – October 5, 2020
Our featured idealist this week is Alexander Vindman, who spoke truth to power during last year’s proceedings to impeach President Trump; the Big Interview is an encore interview of Emily Hunt Turner from All Square, a chic grilled cheese restaurant that provides formerly confined humans an opportunity for a second chance. In my C-Block, I…
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Read MoreLand and Expand into Your Career
Freddie Bell and Joe McKenzie explore how to land and expand into your next career. Freddie Bell also looks at sickle cell anemia. We hear from the Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center of Open House this weekend. After talking about voting, we hear a lesson from Unity South Twin Cities, entitled The Day the…
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Read MoreApplying for Posted Jobs
Freddie Bell welcomes Joe McKenzie who cautions listeners to think twice when considering applying for posted jobs. Secretary of State Steve Simons joins Freddie Bell to talk about voting in this election cycle. Kitty Harris, property manager for the Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center talks about open housing at the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority.…
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Read MoreDerrick Miedaner on the Impending Eviction Crisis
Brett Johnson speaks with Derrick Miedaner of the Minnesota Reformer about a recent piece he wrote on how Minnesota could be negatively impacted once the moratorium on evictions ends.
Read MoreElizabeth Shogren on COVID Regulations Not Being Enforced in Nursing Homes
Brett Johnson speaks with Elizabeth Shogren of Reveal News examining why COVID-19 spread so quickly in America’s nursing homes. Her reporting shows that many facilities had long-standing issues with controlling infections even before COVID.
Read MoreJames Roosevelt, Jr. on the NCPSSM Endorsing Joe Biden to Protect Social Security and Medicare
Brett Johnson spoke with James Roosevelt, Jr, the grandson of former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and member of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM). They talked about the the NCPSSM for the first time in their 38 year history endorsed a presidential candidate (Joe Biden). They also drew parallels to what…
Read MoreMichelle Gross of CUAPB on the People’s Floyd Commission
Brett Johnson spoke with Michelle Gross of Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUAPB). They discussed how CUAPB is holding a series of five meeting each Friday this fall in Minneapolis called the People’s Floyd Commision and how the city of Minneapolis and its elected officials have failed to listen to the public after the murder…
Read MoreWe Repeat, Nobody Got Electrocuted on this Episode
Anayansi Diaz-Cortez on Trump Removing the Robert Mueller of Central America
Brett Johnson recently spoke with Anayansi Diaz-Cortez of the Daily Beast and Reveal News about a recent piece she worked on about corruption in Central America. She talks about how Donald Trump removed the ‘Robert Mueller’ of Central America — prosecutor Ivan Velasquez – and the impact of that decision on Guatemala, America’s economically struggling…
Read MoreGeorge Beck of Minnesotans for Clean Elections
Brett Johnson recently spoke with George Beck, former Chair of the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, retired administrative law judge, and current Chair of Minnesotans for Clean Elections (MnCCE). They discussed how MnCCE just released grades on where each of Minnesota’s state Senate candidates stand on election security and election reform.
Read MoreSituational Awareness
Freddie Bell and Joe McKenzie examine situational awareness in your job search. Freddie Bell adds important information about the effective use of LinkedIn. We hear from AARP Twin Cities about scams and how to protect our assets. We also thank our contributors, Unity South Twin Cities, The Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center and West…
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Read MoreThe Best Word in the English Language
Shawna Marshall for MN Senate District 22
The Matt McNeil Show – September 10, 2020
Molly Coleman on Worker Rights Laws in Minnesota
Brett Johnson speaks with Molly Coleman of the People’s Parity Project about how Minnesota needs to improve their worker’s rights laws…especially given the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MorePatrick Rosenstiel of National Popular Vote
Brett Johnson speaks with Patrick Rosenstiel of National Popular Vote. Patrick is actually a Republican but he favors switching to the popular vote and eliminating the electoral college. One of his main arguments is that the electoral college actually disenfranchises rural voters in several states.
Read MorePapa Giorgio: Special Edition!!!
This week we catch Gregory Rich moments after his first time going to a shooting range.
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Read More90’s Rap Extravaganza (no background music)
90’s Rap Extravaganza
Peter Callaghan of MinnPost
Brett Johnson recently spoke with Peter Callaghan of MinnPost. They discussed how Republicans might be trying to prop up legalize cannabis party candidates for the state Senate to siphon votes away from DFLers. They also talked about what Governor Tim Walz could do to prevent Senate Republicans from removing more Walz appointed commissioners.
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Read MoreHarder, Longer, Deeper…You’ll Enjoy it More (Trust Me)
Attitude + Alcohol = AA?
Does Greg Actually Try to Sound Like Thurston Howell, III?
Selling in a Seller’s Market
Brittany Meidinger and Shannon Knutson from Twigg and Lu Design Company
Transferable Skills Part 2
This weekend on New Beginnings, we continue our discussion with Freddie Bell and Joe McKenzie on sought after transferable skills in the new corona economy. We also visit with Jay Haapala, the Associate Director of Community Engagement for AARP MN. Jay stops by to talk about scams. We also talk health and fitness and Cash…
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Read MoreSantita Jackson Interview with Brett
AM950 is proud to announce the addition of Santita Jackson to our lineup! The Morning Drive with Santita Jackson will air weekdays from 6-8 AM beginning Monday, August 10. Santita’s show is a powerful, compelling morning drive show hosted and produced by women of color. The show is focused on issues affecting our communities both…
Read MoreThe Devil’s Hole at Fantasy Island
You’re Going to Look Like a Saddlebag if You Don’t Take Care of Your Skin
I Don’t do the Tik Tok Bro
David Schultz on 2016 vs. 2020 Elections
Brett Johnson spoke with Hamline University political science professor David Schultz. They discussed how the 2020 election cycle is different from 2016 and the constitutionality of sending federal law enforcement agents into local cities.
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Read MorePaula Overby – DFL Candidate for US Senate
Brett Johnson spoke with Paula Overby, who is running for the DFL nomination for this year’s US Senate seat that is currently held by Tina Smith.
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Read MoreEllie 2.0 Radio – July 20, 2020
We begin by examining the “Third Wave,” a Palo Alto high school teacher’s experiment in 1967 to teach his students about how easy it is for fascism to take hold. The Big Interview is an encore of my interview with Bill Doherty of Better Angels, which is working to prevent fascism in America by encouraging…
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Read MoreIrish Whiskey with Cole De Vries
Steps to Stand Out – July 18, 2020
Freddie Bell and Co-host Joe McKenzie discuss steps to help you stand out in your job search in 2020. We also hear from AARP Twin Cities about absentee voting. Our partners include Unity South Twin Cities; The Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center and West Metro Hypnosis.
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Read MoreJulian E. Zelizer on His New Book: Burning Down the House
Brett Johnson recently spoke with author and Princeton history professor Julian E. Zelizer about his new book, Burning Down the House: Newt Gingrich, the Fall of a Speaker, and the Rise of the New Republican Party.
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Read MoreAntone Melton Meaux (FYI Politics 7/10/20)
Brett Johnson recently spoke to Antone Melton Meaux, who is challenging current rep. Ilhan Omar for the DFL nomination in CD5.
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Read MoreWhite Negronis with Traci Colwell and Jeff Engel from Engel and Volkers
Connections Radio – July 4 2020
Ellie 2.0 Radio – July 6, 2020
I start out the show talking about reparations to make up for the wealth gap between white-color Americans and African Americans—the gap is due in part to white-color people accumulating wealth on the backs of enslaved humans. The Big Interview is with Abdi Sabrie, a Mankato MN school board member who experienced visible marginalization as…
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Read MoreJT Haines of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy
Brett speaks with JT Haines, Northern Minnesota Advocate at the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy. They talk about the latest legal proceedings regarding Polymet and the IRRRB approving money for a new water near Mahnomen and Brookston (and how pro-mining forces were against it).
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Read MoreTom Collins with Anna Abrams of Twin Cities Closets
The Matt McNeil Show – June 25, 2020
FYI Politics for June 25, 2020
Dena Hughes of United Steelworkers Local 9460
Brett Johnson spoke with Dena Hughes, President of United Steelworkers Local 9460 about how hundreds of healthcare members in her union have been laid off by Essentia Health in Northern Minnesota. They discussed the impact on workers and how Essentia is going through with these layoffs despite taking in government bailout money.
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Read MoreThe Matt McNeil Show – June 23, 2020
Ricardo Levins Morales of MPD150
Brett Johnson speaks with Ricardo Levins Morales of MPD150, a group that recently did a thorough examination of the 150 year history of the Minneapolis Police Department. They discusses how many of the same reforms being proposed today have been tried in the past without success and how Minneapolis could move forward without a police…
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Read MoreIan Millhiser and How the Supreme Court Enabled Police to Use Deadly Chokeholds
Brett speaks with Ian Millhiser of VOX about a recent piece he wrote about how the Supreme Court enabled police to use deadly choke holds. They also talk about the difficulty of recovering damages in civil cases against police officers who engage in misconduct.
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